User Quickstart
Alula is an institution-ready lending protocol on Stellar that allows you to:
- Supply assets to segregated pools to earn yield.
- Borrow assets against collateral, including real-world assets (RWAs).
Advanced users can compose operations (e.g. looping deposits and borrows) via batch requests for leveraged exposure.
Alula can also put unused funds to work by automatically moving them into approved, low-risk yield sources. This way, your assets can keep earning instead of sitting idle, and you can still withdraw when liquidity is available.
INFO
If you’re using Alula on testnet, keep in mind that APYs, limits, and fees may have test values.
WARNING
Supplying and borrowing involve smart contract and market risks. In particular, borrowing can lead to liquidation if your position becomes too risky. For more information, please refer to:
Before you start
To use Alula you need a Stellar wallet, a little XLM to pay network fees, and the asset you want to supply (for example USDC) on the Stellar network. If you already have a funded Stellar wallet, skip ahead to How to get set up.
1. Set up a Stellar wallet
- Choose a Stellar wallet that supports Soroban smart contracts — for example Freighter, xBull, or Lobstr. Install it as a browser extension or mobile app.
- Create a new wallet in the app.
- Write down your recovery phrase and store it somewhere safe and offline.
- If you plan to use testnet, switch the wallet's network to testnet; otherwise leave it on mainnet.
WARNING
Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore your wallet. Never share it with anyone, and never enter it on any website. Alula will never ask for it.
2. Get XLM for fees
Every Stellar transaction costs a tiny network fee, and each account must hold a small minimum reserve of XLM to stay active. Receiving XLM also activates your account on the network, so this comes first. You only need a small amount.
- Buy XLM on a centralized exchange that lists it (for example Kraken, Binance, or Coinbase).
- Withdraw it over the Stellar (XLM) network to your wallet address.
TIP
A few XLM is more than enough to cover fees and the account reserve for a long time.
3. Add a USDC trustline
On Stellar, a trustline is your wallet opting in to hold a specific asset. Your wallet cannot receive USDC until a USDC trustline exists, so you must add it before transferring any USDC in. Adding a trustline costs a tiny fee and a small XLM reserve, which is why you fund XLM first.
You can add the trustline in either place:
- In your wallet: open the asset list (for example, a "Manage Assets" or "Add Asset" screen) and add USDC, then confirm the transaction.
- In Alula: connect your wallet and start a supply — when the button shows Add Trust, tap it once to create the trustline. See How to Supply Assets.
WARNING
Do not withdraw or bridge USDC to your wallet before the trustline is in place. A USDC transfer to a wallet without the trustline will fail.
4. Get USDC onto Stellar
With the USDC trustline in place, you can bring USDC to your Stellar wallet in two ways.
Path A: via a centralized exchange (simplest)
- Buy or hold USDC on an exchange that supports Stellar withdrawals.
- Withdraw it, selecting the Stellar network, to your wallet address.
WARNING
When withdrawing, always select the Stellar network and double-check the destination address. Sending over the wrong network can result in permanent loss of funds.
Path B: bridge from another chain
If your USDC is on Ethereum or another chain, you can move it to Stellar using a cross-chain bridge that supports Stellar (for example Allbridge):
- Open the bridge and connect the wallet holding your USDC.
- Select the source chain and Stellar as the destination, then enter your Stellar wallet address.
- Confirm the bridge transaction and wait for the USDC to arrive on Stellar.
How to get set up
Connect wallet
- Select Connect Wallet (top right).
- Choose your wallet in the list.
- Approve the connection in your wallet.
Change network if needed (testnet/mainnet)
- Open the app settings (the slider icon in the top right).
- In Network RPC, choose Testnet or Public.
Make your first deposit
With your wallet connected and funded, you're ready to supply. Follow How to Supply Assets to earn yield on your first deposit.